Harry Redknapp faces Tottenham for the first time since being sacked from White Hart Lane in the summer

Andre Villas-Boas takes his men to Loftus Road as Tottenham face QPR in a Premier League fixture. The match will pit 65-year-old Harry Redknapp against Spurs for the first time since his controversial sacking at White Hart Lane in the summer.

Gareth Bale is set to return for Tottenham Hotspur against QPR after suspension

Where to Watch

Kick-off is set for 12.45pm GMT. Live coverage will be available on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports 1 HD. Live commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 live. Catch highlights on Match of the Day on BBC One and BBC One HD at 10.30pm GMT.

Overview

QPR sit bottom of the league table with only 13 points from 21 games. The London club trail Reading by goal difference and Wigan, in 18th, by five points and Premier League safety is at least that many points away.

Redknapp has had a reasonably positive impact since taking charge in November, leading Rangers to two (their only two of the season so far) wins, the biggest a dramatic 1-0 win over European champions Chelsea, at Stamford Bridge.

The club comes into this game on the back of a two-match unbeaten run; the most recent game was a 1-1 home draw against West Bromwich Albion, an FA Cup Third Round match. Their last league game was the win over Chelsea so the Rangers should be fairly confident going into this game.

The good news for Redknapp is that his side have the best defensive record of the teams in the relegation zone, with only 36 goals conceded to Reading's 40 and Wigan's 39. It must be admitted, though, this isn't saying much, particularly since their defensive record - 19 conceded in 10 games - translates into a two-goal handicap from the start.

Add the fact Spurs have six of 10 games on the road this season, with an average of just above three goals per game, and it would take a brave man to bet against AVB's men knocking a few past the home side.

Tottenham continue to have an excellent season; the north London club sit in third place at the start of the weekend's games, with 39 points to Chelsea's 38. Spurs have their sights set firmly on Champions League football next season and based on present form - unbeaten since early December and with only one defeat since the 5-2 derby drubbing to Arsenal - they do look likely to claim that prize for next season.

AVB led the side to a 3-0 midweek FA Cup Third Round win over Coventry City and a 3-1 home win over Reading in the last league game. The club have scored 12 times in the last four matches, conceding only twice in the process.

The club's away form is second only to those of the Manchester clubs and Chelsea, with the 22 goals scored second only to league leaders Manchester United. They've conceded 16 goals in ten games, which should give Redknapp hope of at least a consolation goal but given the resolute defending in recent games, expect goalmouth action to be very hard to come by for Rangers.

Jermain Defoe will be the only senior striker for AVB in Adebayor's absence for Spurs

Team Guide

Queens Park Rangers

Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): D W L L L

Last Result: Queens Park Rangers 1 - 1 West Bromwich Albion

Tottenham Hotspur

Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W W W D

Last Result: Tottenham Hotspur 3 - 0 Coventry City

Team News

Harry Redknapp

Redknapp remains without strikers Andy Johnson (knee) and Bobby Zamora (thigh). Former Chelsea defender Jose Bosingwa (back) and winger Junior Hoilett (hamstring) are both doubtful. Kieron Dyer is no longer with the club, having been released from his contract earlier this week.

Park Ji-Sung, a summer signing from Manchester United, is fully fit and will return to the starting line-up. New Zealand veteran Ryan Nelsen is believed to be ready to take over as coach for Canadian outfit Toronto FC but will be available for this match.

AVB has no fresh concerns for this match. Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas (calf) and Frenchman Younes Kaboul (knee) are both ruled out. Cameroon left back Benoit Assou-Ekottu will likely feature again, as he re-builds match fitness. The big news is the return of Welsh winger Gareth Bale, from suspension. French international Hugo Lloris is set to start in goal.